Hi Sandi You have a great space to work with, and a lot of ideas for the space itself which is a great start. Ideally it would be best to sit down with a Designer and really dig into what you want from the space, taking time to really figure out how you want the space to feel as a whole. However, to get you started it's easy enough to create a concept design plan of the space from plans you have of the home, so if you'd be interested I'd be happy to take a look at the plan for both the basement and lounge, and send you something over to give an idea of how the design could look / be laid out, based upon the information you've posted above. (Free of charge of course) My email is - Kerrybryaninteriors@outlook.com If you can ping across the detailed plan (with measurements) for the two floors, I can have a basic drawing over to you by the end of the week, to give you some ideas. Speak soon - Kerry

I like the layout- I don’t think you can do much else and there is not enough space for an island and a peninsula would cut down the kitchen space. Personally I think the extra storage at the dining end is useful. Personally I think there are a couple of extra things you could consider:- Firstly there are drawers under the hob flanked by cupboards. Personally I would rather see a wall of drawers to give you longer horizontal lines to make the space seem wider. Secondly I would prefer the storage at the dining end of the room to stop 300/400mm from each corner for an unfitted look which I think also contributes to a feeling of space. If there is no bin planned then you need that planned in a cabinet on the sink wall. Personally I prefer to see a wider raised cabinet over the hob as I think the likely lower cabinets each side crowd the hob. It looks like your fridge opens the wrong way and doesn’t fit in the units. I would rather see an integrated fridge- if it has to be free standing don’t build cabinets around it, put it at the end of the run. I think fitting cabinets around a fridge frames it and I think normally we only put a frame around treasured pictures not the plainest lump of metal in the house. Next you say the dining area feels too formal- I would make it more comfortable , choose a round table and upholstered chairs with a chandelier over. Flooring- your choose kinda depends on the kitchen cabinet choices. If you choose wood in your kitchen then porcelain tiles laid on the diagonal will help it seem wider. A wood floor direction can also help it feel wider. A rug under the table will also help the room seem less long. Lastly consider the lighting. Of course it needs to be light enough to cook but when you are sat relaxing or entertaining at your table you need to be able to switch off the ceiling lights in the kitchen and create an ambiance from under cabinet lighting, an over table light (with a dimmer), lighting in the dining end storage (glass cabinets?) or walk over lights that spill light up the wall

Hi Steph, ideally your layout and 'priorities' should inform your build plans. I mentioned the extension width as currently you have roughly 5m2 of unusable space near the entrance of the kitchen and lounge doors. Extending outwards could potentially afford you room for a sofa or valuable space to pull out chairs around a table or incorporate a slim kitchen island/breakfast bar. The number of people in the home and the different items you want in the room (TV, sofa vs armchairs, etc) will help determine the type of layout advice people will be able to offer you as Ellie suggested above. The more detailed you can be about the specifics of your priorities the better. :) Worth consulting a specialist who can talk you through your requirements and provide you with a layout that works with your lifestyle before starting the build.

Thank you both! Extension is out of budget sadly so I need to work with what I have. I like the utility idea, and I definitely want to block up a door. I’m actually looking at bringing the kitchen door out into the hall to square off the room but am struggling to find anything similar. Renovation is a whole new world!